West Coast forward Mark Nicoski got the dreaded tap on his shoulder 17 months ago – he just didn’t realise it at the time.
Nicoski and fellow veteran Adam Selwood announced their AFL retirements on Thursday, bringing an end to the careers of two of the club’s most inspirational players.
Selwood eked every last bit of talent out of himself in a career that spanned 186 games and included the 2006 premiership.
His knack of regularly putting his body in harm’s way for the benefit of the team was highly revered within Eagles ranks.
Nicoski was admired in a different way.
His ability to stay upbeat through a series of cruel injury setbacks provided his teammates with a constant stream of inspiration.
Nicoski, who featured in the losing 2005 grand final but missed the 2006 decider through injury, also played a key role in helping mentor and develop the club’s younger players.
The 29-year-old was restricted to just 112 games over 10 seasons, with shoulder and hamstring injuries his main setbacks.
His 41 goals in 2011 was crucial in helping West Coast go from wooden spooners to preliminary finalists within the space of 12 months.
But it would prove to be Nicoski’s final act in AFL ranks, with the left-footer’s career headed southward after he tore his hamstring in last year’s NAB Cup grand final against Adelaide.
It would take Nicoski another 14 months and several operations before he was ready to return to the field.
But his dreams of a fairytale AFL comeback were dashed when he seriously injured his wrist while playing in the WAFL in June.
Nicoski still faces another six months of rehab from that injury.
But in hindsight, he said his torn hamstring in the NAB Cup grand final was the beginning of the end for him.
“I guess you never really know when the game taps you on the shoulder and it did that night at AAMI Stadium because I never got to wear an Eagles jumper ever again,” Nicoski said.
“But the severity of what I’ve done to my wrist far outweighs any other injury that I’ve had throughout my career.
“This is the one that’s pushed me over the edge.
“I’ve got to worry about my health, I’ve got to respect my body.
“It’s served me as well as it could over the last 11 years, so it’s my turn to look after it now.”
Nicoski and Selwood have formed a strong friendship over the years, and plan to link up once again as teammates – this time on the basketball court.
Selwood was achieving personal best times in running sessions over the summer, but knew his time was up once a niggling back injury curtailed his influence during the season.
The 29-year-old is keen to play out the rest of the year, but will spend at least one more week in the WAFL before being considered for a senior recall.
Selwood hopes to be remembered as a solid role player at the club, and said he was proud to have played alongside his younger brother Scott, and against brothers Troy and Joel.
